A combined Joe-Pete team led by Dominick de Kauwe trounced the Antonians 44-0 to win the "Quintin Israel Memorial Trophy" at the picturesque Oakville Crusaders Rugby Grounds. S. Thomas' College OBA hosted the tournament this year which is called "Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Sevens Tournament – 2013". Chief Organiser for the Thomians was D.R. (Ranjan) Weerasinghe – former Thomian, CR&FC and skipper of the Colombo Schools team. Other teams that took part in this year's tournament were the Thomians, Royalists, Trinitians and a combined Dharmarajah/Wesley team.
It was a full day tournament with a few preliminary rounds worked out before the finals. The Joe-Pete team, under the auspices of JPAA Canada was coached by Duminda Perera, assisted by Viraj Fernando (Peterite rugby skipper of 1984). In the preliminary rounds, the Joe-Pete team outplayed the Trinitians and Antonians and met the latter in the finals again. The Antonians failed to cross the Joe-Pete line even once in the finals.
A high standard of rugby football was maintained throughout the tournament.
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Duminda Perera who was Manager/Coach, Joe-Pete Team sends in the following report
Finally the ultimate reached after many years of close finishes, including the inaugural year at this tournament, which still an achievement to be proud of.
A proud day indeed for the Saints led by our Captain Dominic de Kauwe and co-captain Gail Ragel.
I am not sure where to begin, with this team except that we were all with level heads. Not only were we blessed with an awesome core of leaders in Dominic, Gail, Theeraka and young Ryan, but also some great young speed in Dwayne, Aaron and Hurricane Tuani.
The morning game started off slow and we took a little time to settle in and gel. Our rookies only needed a half a game or so to understand the rules and get into the flow, but once we got going there was no looking back until the championship was won with a resounding 42-0 score.
The quickness was such that on defense, we were not scored upon throughout the tournament.
This group was all about putting the team first.
Stephen Koch – A true leader that encouraged the youngsters at practice, pulled everyone together and yet gave up a regular spot in the team.
Nadine Koch – our courageous young female member with great quickness
Dwayne and Aaron Perera– you two were new to the team but simply awesome with your speed and how you adapted through the tournament.
Ryan Anthony – You showed great leadership at Scrum-half and some nifty plays. We are so glad that you chose to play the tournament in lieu of the U of T game.
Tuan Cassim – Hurricane Tuani, we know you’re in it just for show-boating and glory but we still love you for the speed and the tries that you score ;)
Theeraka – You selflessly gave up your regular position as a back and took over the pack, to lead the kids and yet was so versatile that you played sweeper to neutralize the Thomians ever so easily.
Gail Ragel (co captain) – Another un-sung hero. Most of all what I personally value is your team spirit and the will to win. You led by example and played with passion..a true leader again.
Dominic – What can I say?…you brought in the experience and again led by example with some beautiful plays to draw the opponents. Those were my highlights for you.
As for Angelo, Roshan Anthony, Peter, Thomas, Viraj and myself, we proudly enjoyed watching all of you bring home the cup in grand fashion.A big Thank you to the Rajans for lending us the lucky Jerseys!
Thank you to the Anandians that drove from New York and Washington, hopefully some of us will get a chance to play with you in DC next May.
Thank you Upali for the support!
And Many thanks to our supporters.